Overturned Truck Wrecks Bay Bridge Commute

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It took crews six hours to clear a big-rig that crashed and overturned mid-span on the westbound San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge.

CHP spokesman Shawn Chase said the driver of a Safeway truck tried to slow down as he entered the new S-curve section of the bridge at about 2:30 p.m. but lost control and crashed, initially closing four out of five lanes.

Overturned Truck Wrecks Bridge Commute

The new S curve on the Bay Bridge may have caught a big rig truck driver off guard Wednesday, making a real mess of the evening commute. (Published Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2009)

The CHP had initially estimated the truck could be cleared by 5 p.m., but the effort to right the truck ended up taking several additional hours.

Chase said traffic approaching the area was "horrendous." Drivers were told to avoid the Bay Bridge and take either the Golden Gate Bridge or the San Mateo Bridge.

No other vehicles were involved in the crash, which Chase called "a minor miracle."

"It was very fortunate," Chase said. "He went across all four lanes and didn't hit anyone."

The driver reported pain in his lower leg but is "fine," Chase said.

Chase said the driver has been working for Safeway for some time and has navigated the Bay Bridge many times, but this was the first time with the newly added section.

He reportedly told investigators he was driving at 55 mph at the time, saw a 40-mph sign at the beginning of the S-curve zone and slowed down too late.

Chase said the top of the truck's trailer ripped open during the crash, spilling its contents onto the road.

Caltrans spokesman Bart Ney said today that in the wake of recent crashes at the S-curve, the agency will begin installing further safety precautions later this week, including additional 40-mph-zone signage, radar signs displaying vehicle speed, and an epoxy grit surface over steel plates at both ends of the S-curve for better traction.

Caltrans is also considering adding "rumble bumps," reflectors that make a noise when drivers cross them, at the approaches to the S-curve, Ney said.